Workshop to focus on iPad, iPhone apps for farmers, ranchers

Looking to improve life on your farm or ranch? There's an app for that.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service's Nueces County office will host a workshop Oct. 23 to educate producers on using iPhones and iPads in business.

With more farmers and ranchers - particularly younger ones - delving into newer technology, it made sense to bring the workshop to South Texas, said Jeffrey R. Stapper, Nueces County extension agent for ag and natural resources.

"Our thought was that we needed to make folks aware of what's out there," he said. "There are more and more apps being developed that will help the ag sector."

The workshop will begin with a basic review for those who aren't very familiar with their iPads or iPhones, Stapper said. Later, it will get into applications that help producers manage business risks, improve profitability, plan irrigation practices and more.

Producers will get hands-on practice with iPads, he said, and have a chance to win one of their own at the meeting's conclusion.

The event, which includes lunch, takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Corpus Christi's Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center, 10345 state Highway 44. Preregistration is required by Oct. 19 and costs $25.

Stapper said he looked forward to helping educate area producers on emerging technologies that can help with business.

"Every day, someone's coming out with a new app," he said. "It's amazing."